PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

INTRODUCTION
 What is prestressed concrete?

A prestressed concrete structure is different

from a conventional reinforced concrete
structure due to the application of an initial
load on the structure prior to its use. The initial
load or ‘prestress’ is applied to enable the
structure to counteract the stresses arising
during its service period.
 Two examples of prestressing before the development
of prestressed concrete are provided.
• Force-fitting of metal bands on wooden barrels
The metal bands induce a state of initial hoop
compression, to counteract the hoop tension caused
by filling of liquid in the barrels.

• Pre-tensioning the spokes in a bicycle wheel

The pre-tension of a spoke in a bicycle wheel is
applied to such an extent that there will always be a
residual tension in the spoke.
Force-fitting of metal bands on
wooden barrels
Pre-tensioning the spokes in a
bicycle wheel
 Why Not RCC…Why PSC….
• The tensile strength of concrete is only about 8% to 14%
of its compressive strength.
• Cracks tend to develop at early stages of loading in
flexural members such as beams and slabs.
• To prevent such cracks, compressive force can be suitably
applied in the perpendicular direction.
• Prestressing enhances the bending, shear and torsional
capacities of the flexural members.
• In pipes and liquid storage tanks, the hoop tensile stresses
can be effectively counteracted by circular prestressing.
Prestressing concept
Prestressing concept
Materials For PSC
 Terminology
Tendon:
- A stretched element used in a concrete member to
impart prestress to concrete

Anchorage:
- A device generally used to enable the tendon to
impart and maintain prestress in the concrete.
 Forms of PSC steel

• Wires
Prestressing wire is a single unit made of steel.
• Strands
Two, three or seven wires are wound to form a prestressing
strand.
• Tendon
A group of strands or wires are wound to form a prestressing
tendon.
• Cable
A group of tendons form a prestressing cable.
• Bars
A tendon can be made up of a single steel bar. The diameter of a
bar is much larger than that of a wire.
 Types of prestressing systems
• Pre tensioning system
A method of prestressing concrete in
which tendons are tensioned before the
concrete is placed
• Post tensioning system
A method of prestressing concrete by
tensioning the tendons against hardened
concrete.
 Pre-tensioning system
The various stages of the pre-tensioning
operation are summarised as follows.
1) Anchoring of tendons against the end
abutments
2) Placing of jacks
3) Applying tension to the tendons
4) Casting of concrete
5) Cutting of the tendons.
Pre-tensioning system
 Pre-tensioning system

The essential devices for pre-tensioning are as

follows.
• Prestressing bed
• End abutments
• Shuttering / mould
• Jack
• Anchoring device
• Harping device (optional)
 Jacks

• The jacks are used to apply tension to the

tendons. Hydraulic jacks are commonly used.
These jacks work on oil pressure generated by
a pump.
Jacks
 Anchoring devices

• Anchoring devices are often made on the

wedge and friction principle. In pre-tensioned
members, the tendons are to be held in tension
during the casting and hardening of concrete.
Anchoring devices
 Harping devices

• The tendons are frequently bent, except in

cases of slabs-on-grade, poles, piles etc. The
tendons are bent (harped) in between the
supports with a shallow sag as shown below.
Harping process
Hold-up device
Pre-tensioning system
Hoyer Process or Long line process
Pre-tensioning systems
Pre-tensioning systems
Pre-tensioning systems
Pre-tensioning systems
Pre-tensioning systems
Pre-tensioning systems
Pre-tensioning systems
Pre-tensioning systems
Pre-tensioning systems
Pre-tensioning systems
 Post tensioning system

The various stages of the post-tensioning operation

are summarised as follows.
1) Casting of concrete.
2) Placement of the tendons.
3) Placement of the anchorage block and jack.
4) Applying tension to the tendons.
5) Seating of the wedges.
6) Cutting of the tendons.
Post tensioning system
 Post tensioning system
The essential devices for post-tensioning are as
follows.
1) Casting bed
2) Mould/Shuttering
3) Ducts
4) Anchoring devices
5) Jacks
6) Couplers (optional)
7) Grouting equipment (optional).
 Anchoring Devices

In post-tensioned members the anchoring

devices transfer the prestress to the concrete.
The devices are based on the following
principles of anchoring the tendons.
1) Wedge action
2) Direct bearing
3) Looping the wires
 Anchoring Devices

Wedge action
• The anchoring device based on wedge action
consists of an anchorage block and wedges.
The strands are held by frictional grip of the
wedges in the anchorage block. Some
examples of systems based on the wedge-
action are Freyssinet, Gifford-Udall, Anderson
and Magnel-Blaton anchorages.
Anchoring Devices
 Anchoring Devices

Direct bearing
• The rivet or bolt heads or button heads formed
at the end of the wires directly bear against a
block. The B.B.R.V post-tensioning system
and the Prescon system are based on this
principle.
Anchoring Devices
 Anchoring Devices

Looping the wires

• The Baur-Leonhardt system, Leoba system and
also the Dwidag single-bar anchorage system,
work on this principle where the wires are
looped around the concrete. The wires are
looped to make a bulb. The following photo
shows the anchorage by looping of the wires in
a post-tensioned slab.
Anchoring Devices
 Couplers

• The couplers are used to connect strands or

bars. They are located at the junction of the
members, for example at or near columns in
post-tensioned slabs, on piers in post-
tensioned bridge decks
Couplers
Post tensioning Process
Post tensioning Process
Post tensioning Process
 Types of prestressing
Nature of Concrete-Steel Interface
Bonded tendon
When there is adequate bond between the
prestressing tendon and concrete,it is called a
bonded tendon. Pre-tensioned and grouted post-
tensioned tendons are bonded tendons
Unbonded tendon
When there is no bond between the prestressing
tendon and concrete, it is called unbonded tendon.
When grout is not applied after post-tensioning,
the tendon is an unbonded tendon.
 Types of prestressing
Source of Prestressing Force
Hydraulic Prestressing
• This is the simplest type of prestressing, producing large
prestressing forces. The hydraulic jack used for the
tensioning of tendons, comprises of calibrated pressure
gauges which directly indicate the magnitude of force
developed during the tensioning.
Mechanical Prestressing
• In this type of prestressing, the devices includes weights
with or without lever transmission, geared transmission in
conjunction with pulley blocks, screw jacks with or
without gear drives and wire-winding machines. This type
of prestressing is adopted for mass scale production.
 Types of prestressing
Electrical Prestressing
• In this type of prestressing, the steel wires are
electrically heated and anchored before
placing concrete in the moulds. This type of
prestressing is also known as thermo-electric
prestressing.
Chemical Prestressing
• Using expanding cements induce tensile
forces in tendons .
 Types of prestressing

• External or Internal Prestressing

External Prestressing
When the prestressing is achieved by elements
located outside the concrete, it is called
external prestressing. The tendons can lie
outside the member (for example in I-girders
or walls) or inside the hollow space of a box
girder.
External prestressing
Internal Prestressing
When the prestressing is achieved by elements
located inside the concrete member
(commonly, by embedded tendons), it is called
internal prestressing. Most of the applications
of prestressing are internal prestressing.
Linear or Circular Prestressing
Linear Prestressing
• When the prestressed members are straight or flat, in the
direction of prestressing, the prestressing is called linear
prestressing. For example, prestressing of beams, piles,
poles and slabs. The profile of the prestressing tendon
may be curved. The following figure shows linearly
prestressed railway sleepers

Circular Prestressing
• When the prestressed members are curved, in the
direction of prestressing, the prestressing is called
circular prestressing. For example, circumferential
prestressing of tanks, silos, pipes and similar structures.
Circular Prestressing
Full, Limited or Partial Prestressing
Full Prestressing
• When the level of prestressing is such that no tensile
stress is allowed in concrete under service loads, it is
called Full Prestressing (Type 1, as per IS:1343 - 1980).
Limited Prestressing
• When the level of prestressing is such that the tensile
stress under service loads is within the cracking stress of
concrete, it is called Limited Prestressing (Type 2).
Partial Prestressing
• When the level of prestressing is such that under tensile
stresses due to service loads, the crack width is within the
allowable limit, it is called Partial Prestressing (Type 3).
Uniaxial, Biaxial or Multiaxial Prestressing
Uniaxial Prestressing
• When the prestressing tendons are parallel to one
axis, it is called Uniaxial Prestressing. For example,
longitudinal prestressing of beams.
Biaxial Prestressing
• When there are prestressing tendons parallel to two
axes, it is called Biaxial Prestressing. The following
figure shows the biaxial prestressing of slabs.
Multiaxial Prestressing
• When the prestressing tendons are parallel to more
than two axes, it is called Multiaxial Prestressing.
For example, prestressing of domes.
Bi axial Prestressing
 Advantages

1) Section remains uncracked under service loads

Reduction of steel corrosion
– • Increase in durability.
Full section is utilised
– • Higher moment of inertia (higher stiffness)
– • Less deformations (improved serviceability).
Increase in shear capacity.
Suitable for use in pressure vessels, liquid retaining
structures.
Improved performance (resilience) under dynamic and
fatigue loading.
 Advantages
2) High span-to-depth ratios
• Larger spans possible with prestressing (bridges, buildings
with large column-free spaces)
• Typical values of span-to-depth ratios in slabs are given
below.
Non-prestressed slab 28:1
Prestressed slab 45:1

For the same span, less depth compared to RC member.

• Reduction in self weight
• More aesthetic appeal due to slender sections
• More economical sections.
 Advantages
3) Suitable for precast construction The
advantages of precast construction are as
follows.
• Rapid construction
• Better quality control
• Reduced maintenance
• Suitable for repetitive construction
• Multiple use of formwork
⇒ Reduction of formwork
• Availability of standard shapes.
 Disadvantages

• Prestressing needs skilled technology. Hence, it

is not as common as reinforced concrete.
• The use of high strength materials is costly.
• There is additional cost in auxiliary equipments.
• There is need for quality control and inspection.
 Analysis of Stresses in PSC Members
Stress concept method
Beam is prestressed with a tendon through the centroid

Beam is prestressed with a tendon, placed

eccentrically
 Analysis of Stresses in PSC Members
Stress concept method
PSC beam is subjected to an external load
 Analysis of Stresses in PSC Members
Strength concept method
 Internal Resisting Couple Method
 Concrete takes compression
 Steel takes tension
Analysis of Stresses in PSC Members
Strength concept method
 Analysis of Stresses in PSC Members
Load balancing method

 Load in the concrete, balanced by stressing the

steel
 Ie., transverse component of the tendon force
balances the external loads